I'm Wearing Gray...

There is a lack in the world (at large) - a lack of awareness that our world (childhood cancer/pediatric brain tumors) even exists.

In response to a question about childhood cancer I would guess that many people would say something like, "Luekemia - yeah - St. Jude's cured that, right?" Um, no.

Everyone who has been touched by any of these beasts (or anything else that puts our children in peril) wants there to be an end to ________. Each family works against disease in their own way. One may find out if this has been common in their family and stay more vigilant, another may find themselves able to walk across the country - raising money and awareness, yet another may know someone who knows someone who can do whatever. Whatever method we choose to fight is just like the way we, as caregivers, choose treatments - the way that is best for our families.

Fundraisers, flyers, websites, radio/television - all of these are working toward the same goal - an end to ____________. The way we get to the end doesn't really matter - this isn't algebra class where the work you show to get to the answer is half your grade - the end answer actually IS the point. For our family, and many others, __________ is dipg, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. We have chosen primarily to use the web as a method of relaying information, links to others who have different/more information and linking the families with each other.

Just because dipg is the focus of I Could Be Your Child, it doesn't prevent us from including children or organizations that have a different disease to attack. By working together (directly or indirectly) we will all reach our common goal.

Heidi Randall, Jessica's mom, has worked to create a line of brain tumor awareness items - MAY GEAR. (May is brain tumor awareness month.) She has included children with an assortment of diagnoses and created an "I'm Wearing Gray For..." line available thru CafePress. Please pop over and pick up some gray as she will be donating proceeds to a handful of organizations (and no, ICBYC isn't one of them - so this isn't a roundabout commercial for us.) We just admire what she does and are doing what we can to help her do what she does.

Because of the efforts of so many - parents, siblings, survivors, medical types, anyone who does anything to support these kids - one day there won't be a post telling you that a little boy, Tyler Marx for example, was lifted up on Palm Sunday.